Prediction of the energy consumption of a supermarket refrigeration system

This paper describes the simulation of a commercial refrigeration system performed by means of the software EnergyPlus. Various Low Temperature and Medium Temperature display cabinets together with cold rooms are connected to a cascade system operating with R-744 (LT) and R-407C (MT). The performance curves of display cabinets as requested by the software are described from standard test data and from the outcomes of a model of vertical open cabinets. Outdoor climate conditions are taken from TRY weather data for the operation of air cooled condensers. Results from the simulations are compared with preliminary energy measurements taken in the actual supermarket, and thoroughly discussed to explore the capabilities of such a model in the prediction of energy consumption of commercial refrigeration systems.